Muntins

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a muntin ( 1 ) for a roof structure, the muntin ( 1 ) comprising: a cap ( 3 ) having a cover ( 7 ), for forming a link between elements of a roof structure in use, and a connector region ( 13 ) connecting with a separate coupler ( 5 ); and the coupler ( 5 ) having means ( 21, 23, 25 ) to connect with a jointer of a roof structure, and means ( 19 ) to connect with said cap connector region ( 13 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to muntins, particularly, though not exclusively, to muntins arranged, in use, to form a link between a glazing panel and the frame of a roof vent in a roof structure. The present invention also relates to roof structures and to methods of installing a muntin.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to provide building structures with a roof structure comprising an assembly of roofing panels, and roof vents. In this specification, the term roof vents includes windows which may or may not be openable.

[0003] The roof vents can have a frame member and a closure member movable relative thereto. In such roof structures the frames of the roof vents and/or windows and the edges of the roofing panels are supported by rafters or glazing bars, these may be metal jointers and especially aluminium jointers.

[0004] Such assemblies of roofing panels and roof vents have gaps between the edges of the panels and the vents/windows where they rest on the jointers. These gaps form open channels in the outer face of the roof structure which would obviously collect water and lead to degradation and/or leaking of the roof structure.

[0005] It is therefore known to cover the gap between the edge of a panel and the frame of a roof vent with a muntin. Such a muntin may provide a link between the outer surfaces of a glazing panel and a roof vent frame.

[0006] Known muntins comprise a substantially planar cap having a coupling leg extending downwardly therefrom orientated in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cap. When viewed in cross-section the muntin is substantially “T” shaped though the end of the coupling leg is turned out such that the leg has a substantially “L” shaped cross-section.

[0007] The known muntins are retained in place by a stem extending from the body of a jointer, in a plane substantially perpendicular to that of the jointer body. The end of the stem is turned out such that when viewed in cross section it is substantially an inverted “L” shape. This arrangement allows the turned out sections of the muntin support leg and jointer stem to engage one another and thus retain the muntin in place.

[0008] However, the prior art muntins have several disadvantages. They can be difficult to fit and the muntin support stem and jointer leg arrangement does not allow for drainage of any water which ingresses past the cap. The prior art muntin arrangements can also result in capillary action occurring between various surfaces and thus actually contribute to the ingress of water.

[0009] Significantly the contact between the metal jointer and in particular the metal jointer leg and the roofing or glazing panels results in unsatisfactory heat losses from any building structure provided with a roof structure comprising such prior art muntins.

[0010] It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a muntin for roofing structures which overcomes at least one disadvantage of prior art muntins and in particular aims to provide a muntin and consequently a roofing structure having improved insulating properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a muntin for a roof structure, the muntin comprising:

[0012] a cap having a cover, for forming a link between elements of a roof structure in use, and a connector region connecting with a separate coupler; and

[0013] the coupler having means to connect with a jointer of a roof structure, and means to connect with said cap connector region.

[0014] Suitably, the cover of the cap comprises an elongate sheet.

[0015] Suitably, the cover has an arcuate cross-section.

[0016] Suitably, the cover comprises at least one seal extending therefrom.

[0017] Suitably, the seals comprise a deformable material.

[0018] Suitably, the muntin cap and coupler comprise a plastics material.

[0019] Suitably, the coupler and the cap connector region comprise a snap-fit connection.

[0020] Suitably, the snap fit connection comprises interengaging ribs and grooves.

[0021] Suitably, the coupler comprises a connector region for connecting to the cap and a securement region for connecting to a jointer.

[0022] Suitably, the connector region is located at a free end of the coupler.

[0023] Suitably, the securement region is orientated in a plane substantially perpendicular to that of the connector region.

[0024] Suitably, the securement region has a generally “n” shaped cross-section.

[0025] Suitably, the securement region comprises engagement means for securing the coupler to a jointer.

[0026] Suitably, engagement means comprises teeth, in the form of longitudinal ribs projecting from the coupler region of the leg.

[0027] Suitably, engagement means is arranged such that, in use, the coupler can snap-fit onto a jointer

[0028] Suitably, the coupler has a generally “L”-shaped configuration.

[0029] According to the present invention in a second aspect, there is provided a roof structure comprising a muntin according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] The cover can, therefore, be arranged, in use, to form a link between two distinct elements of a roof structure. The elements of a roof structure between which the cover forms a link may be supported by a jointer. The elements of a re-structure between which the cover forms a link may be a roof panel, which may be a glazing panel, and the frame of a roof vent, which may-be a window.

[0031] Suitably, the cover is arranged to abut the upper surface of a roof panel and the upper surface of the frame of a roof vent.

[0032] Suitably, the coupler comprises a base interposed between a jointer of a roof structure and a roof panel. The coupler may thus create an insulating barrier between a jointer of a roof structure, which may be metal, and a roofing panel.

[0033] Suitably, the coupler base is interposed between a jointer of a roof structure and the frame of a roof vent.

[0034] Suitably, the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a roof panel and the jointer.

[0035] Suitably, the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a roof panel and the coupler.

[0036] Suitably, the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a roof panel and any part of the coupler, jointer or cap.

[0037] The muntin can, thus, minimise any heat losses from a building structure which occur as a result of heat transfer through the muntin. The muntin may also prevent or significantly reduce the capillary action which causes the ingress of water past prior art muntins. The muntin may also facilitate provision of drainage means for any water which does ingress past the muntin. The means of drainage may be facilitated by the provision of an integral drainage channel or fluted duct to facilitate the discharge of water from said muntin.

[0038] Suitably, the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a frame for a roof vent and the jointer.

[0039] Suitably, the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a power for a roof vent and the coupler.

[0040] Suitably, the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a frame for a roof vent and any part of the coupler, jointer or cap.

[0041] Suitably, the at least one seal abuts the upper surface of a roof panel and/or of a frame for a roof vent

[0042] According to the present invention in a third aspect, there is provided a method of installing a muntin according to a first aspect f the present invention, the method comprising:

[0043] fitting a muntin coupler to a jointer;

[0044] supporting a roofing panel on the jointer;

[0045] supporting the frame of a roof vent on the jointer; and

[0046] connecting a muntin cap to the coupler.

[0047] Suitably, the coupler is fitted to a jointer prior to the jointers employment to construct a roof structure.

[0048] Suitably, the jointer is employed to construct a roof structure and the coupler is then fitted thereto.

[0049] Suitably, the cap is connected to the coupler by being pushed into place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

[0051]FIG. 1 shows a muntin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the muntin of FIG. 1;

[0053]FIG. 3 shows the muntin of FIG. 1 installed between a glazing panel and a roof vent; and

[0054]FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a muntin according to the present invention, installed between a glazing panel and a roof vent.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a muntin 1 comprising a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cap 3 and a separate PVC coupler 5.

[0056] The cap 3 comprises a first wall in the form of an elongate sheet forming a cover section 7, arranged, in use, to cover the gap between a glazing panel and the frame of a roof vent, and to form a link between the outer surfaces thereof.

[0057] The cap further comprises second and third walls 9, 11 extending downwardly from said first wall, substantially at right angles thereto, and defining a channel 13 therebetween. This channel 13 forms a connector section which, in use, acts as a receptacle for a leg 15 of the coupler 5.

[0058] As well as the leg 15 the coupler 5 further comprises a base 17 arranged, in use, to abut a jointer of a roofing structure. The leg 15 comprises a connector region 19 which is substantially straight and is orientated along a plane substantially perpendicular to that of the coupler base 17.

[0059] Between the connector region 19 of the leg 15 and the base 17, the leg 15 further comprises a securement region 21. The securement region joining the base and connector region is substantially “n” shaped when viewed in cross-section and orientated such that the base of the coupler forms an extension of one of the legs of the “n”.

[0060] The “n” shaped securement region comprises a first inner side and a second outerside. The outerside of the securement region comprises securement teeth 23, 25 projecting therefrom in the form of longitudinal ribs.

[0061] The securement section of the leg is arranged such that in use its outer side abuts a stem projecting from the body of a roofing jointer. The securement teeth 23, 25 are arranged such that, in use, they engage with teeth projecting from the jointer stem and body and thus hold the coupler in place.

[0062] The connector region 19 of the leg comprises longitudinal grooves 27 arranged, in use, to cooperate with longitudinal ribs 29, 31 extending from the inner faces of walls 9 and 11 of the cap 5 to secure the later in place.

[0063] The cover wall 3 of the cap is arcuate and comprises deformable plastics seals 33, 35 extending from the longitudinal edges thereof. The seals are arranged such that in use one of the seals abuts the upper side of a glazing panel and the other abuts the upper surface of the frame of a roof vent.

[0064]FIG. 3 shows the muntin 1 of FIG. 1 fitted between a glazing panel 101 and the frame 103 of a roof vent, such that the cover 3 overlaps the edges of the glazing panels and the roof vent frame. The seals 33 and 35 abut the upper surfaces of the panel and frame to prevent or substantially reduce the ingress of water into the gap between the panel 101 and frame 103.

[0065] The base 17 abuts the body 107 of the aluminium jointer 105 and is interposed between the jointer and the glazing panel.

[0066] The securement region 21 of the leg abuts a hooked stem 109 extending upwardly from the jointer body 107.

[0067] The jointer body comprises a tooth in the form of a longitudinally extending ridge 109 projecting therefrom. The jointer stem also comprises a tooth in the form of a longitudinally extending ridge 113 projecting therefrom.

[0068] The teeth of the jointer engage with those of the securement region of the coupler and are arranged such that, in use, the coupler clips into place and is secured against the jointer body and the jointer stem.

[0069]FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a muntin according to the present invention installed in a roofing structure. The muntin is substantially the same as that of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The connector section 19 of the leg of the coupler 5 is shorter than that of the first embodiment. This allows the muntin to be employed in a roof structure comprising a thinner glazing panel.

[0070] The coupler 5 may be secured to the jointer 105 prior to the installation of the glazing panel and/or roof vent into a roof structure. Once the glazing panel and roof vent are installed the cap may be clipped onto the coupler to form the muntin. This arrangement allows for particularly easy fitting of muntins to a roof structure.

[0071] The muntin arrangement is such that neither the stem of the jointer or the leg of the coupler contact either the frame of the roof vent or the glazing panel. The base of the coupling also provides a thermal barrier between the aluminium jointer and the glazing panel. The combination of these features means that less thermal energy is transferred through the muntin arrangement of the present invention than through prior art muntin arrangements. The muntin of preferred embodiments of the present invention thus greatly improves the insulating properties of a roof structure to which it is fitted in place of a prior art muntin.

[0072] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0074] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0075] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so is disclosed. 

1. A muntin for a roof structure, the muntin comprising: a cap having a cover, for forming a link between elements of a roof structure in use, and a connector region connecting with a separate coupler; and the coupler having means to connect with a jointer of a roof structure, and means to connect with said cap connector region.
 2. A muntin according to claim 1, in which the cover of the cap comprises an elongate sheet.
 3. A muntin according to claim 2, in which the cover has an arcuate cross-section.
 4. A muntin according to any preceding claim, in which the cover comprises at least one seal extending therefrom.
 5. A muntin according to claim 4, in which the seals comprise a deformable material.
 6. A muntin according to any preceding claim, in which the muntin cap and coupler comprise a, plastics material.
 7. A muntin according to any preceding claim, in which the coupler and the cap connector region comprise a snap-fit connection.
 8. A muntin according to claim 7, in which the snap fit connection comprises interengaging ribs and grooves.
 9. A muntin according to any preceding claim, in which the coupler comprises a connector region for connecting to the cap and a securement region for connecting to a jointer.
 10. A muntin according to claim 9, in which the connector region is located at a free end of the coupler.
 11. A muntin according to claim 9 or 10, in which the securement region is orientated in a plane substantially perpendicular to that of the connector region.
 12. A muntin according to any one of claims 9-11, in which the securement region has a generally “n” shaped cross-section.
 13. A muntin according to any one of claims 9-12, in which the securement region comprises engagement means for securing the coupler to a jointer.
 14. A muntin according to claim 13, in which the engagement means comprises teeth, in the form of longitudinal ribs projecting from the coupler region of the leg.
 15. A muntin according to claim 13 or claim 14, in which the engagement means is arranged such that, in use, the coupler can snap-fit onto a jointer.
 16. A muntin according to any preceding claim, in which the coupler has a generally “L”-shaped configuration.
 17. A roof structure comprising a muntin according to any one of claims 1-16.
 18. A roof structure according to claim 17, in which the cover is arranged to abut the upper surface of a roof panel and the upper surface of the frame of a roof vent.
 19. A roof structure according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which the coupler comprises a base interposed between a jointer of a roof structure and a roof panel.
 20. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-19, in which the coupler base is interposed between a jointer of a roof structure and the frame of a roof vent.
 21. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-20, in which the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a roof panel and the jointer.
 22. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-21, in which the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a roof panel and the coupler.
 23. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-22, in which the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a roof panel and any part of the coupler, jointer or cap.
 24. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-23, in which the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a frame for a roof vent and the jointer.
 25. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-24, in which the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a power for a roof vent and the coupler.
 26. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-25, in which the muntin is arranged such that there is no contact between the edge face of a frame for a roof vent and any part of the coupler, jointer or cap.
 27. A roof structure according to any one of claims 17-26 when dependent from claim 4, in which the at least one seal abuts the upper surface of a roof panel and/or of a frame for a roof vent
 28. A method of installing a muntin according to any one of claims 1-16, the method comprising: fitting a muntin coupler to a jointer; supporting a roofing panel on the jointer; supporting the frame of a roof vent on the jointer; and connecting a muntin cap to the coupler.
 29. A method of installing a muntin according to claim 28, in which the coupler is fitted to a jointer prior to the jointers employment to construct a roof structure.
 30. A method of installing a muntin according to claim 28, in which the jointer is employed to construct a roof structure and the coupler is then fitted thereto.
 31. A method of installing a muntin according to claim 28, in which the cap is connected to the coupler by being pushed into place. 